Matthew Hayden retires from all cricket

Matthew Hayden, the former Australian opening batsman, has called time on his glittering playing career, opting not to play in the Big Bash League (BBL) this year. His team in the BBL, Brisbane Heat, said that Hayden had decided not to return for a final series after signing as their marquee player for last season’s inaugural T20 Big Bash League.

The decision came about after lengthy discussions between Hayden and the Heat, and Hayden said he would continue to be involved with the team, moving from the playing field to the boardroom.

“I will be pursuing my initial intention and agreement with the Heat of moving from the pitch to the boardroom, where I hope to continue to make a meaningful contribution to the Big Bash League and the Brisbane Heat,” said Hayden in a statement.

“I also plan to be very active in promoting and supporting the Brisbane Heat both on and off the field, and to contribute to the long-term success of the franchise,” said Hayden who maintained that cricket would still remain a significant part of his life.

Hayden had retired from Test cricket in 2009, after scoring 8625 runs in 103 Tests, with 30 centuries and a batting average of 50.74. He briefly held the world record for the highest individual score in a Test innings, hitting 380 against Zimbabwe in October 2003 in Perth, and breaking Brian Lara’s record set in 1994. However, Hayden lost the record a few months later with Lara reclaiming it by hitting 400 not out against England in April 2004.

Hayden played for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League in 2010. He took a sabbatical from cricket before returning to play for the Brisbane team in 2011-12.

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